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The issue of lowballing... What does that mean?

I LOVE Audiogon. I have purchased and sold many items here and it is a wonderful resource for audio nuts of every variety. Big solid state, tubes, analog, vinyl? Sure it all goes.

So I see posts that are make offer but the seller says "lowballers" will be ignored, vilified, cursed and cussed. So why have a make offer sale? Something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. It doesn't matter what you paid for it, or how much you love it. And why be upset? Declining requires one mouse click. Countering maybe five or six clicks or keystrokes. Just curious as this is a commerce site.

I have received offers that seemed really low to me, but I am still happy to have interest and I always counter offer. I recently sold a Clearaudio TT for a lot less than I thought it was worth. But all the offers were low and I had to rethink my view. It ultimately sold as a real bargin but I'm happy and so is the buyer.

Your thoughts?
128x128superbike
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,822 posts
 
The most accurate way to determine price when you are the seller, is to ask YOURSELF, "what would I pay for this". Ask for that amount. That's fair.

Cheers
superbike's avatar
superbike OP
11 posts
 
Thanks for all the very thoughtful responses. I agree with the consensus, if you like something make an offer you are willing to pay. Simple. If the seller (including me) doesn't like the offer they are free to decline or ignore. Again, simple. If you don't want offers make the price firm.

As far is Markpao's comment... I still don't know what constitues a "lowball" offer. What is a bargin price? The prices on Audiogon for the same basic product sometimes vary wildly. Today there are two MD tuners for the same model differentiated by a 70% price variance. It's like my boss saying we need to cut expenses - does that mean I need to fire half the sales guys - or stop letting them expense Starbucks coffee?

I do want to respect peoples wishes. Many of the people I have bought from or sold to, I am still in contact with discussing music, product or life...

Thanks again for the feedback.

SB
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
When someone sends a "lowball" offer, they know it. I don't really think anyone ever sells for that kind of price. Here is an example. A $7000 pre/pro, (current model) with a warranty. Offer comes in for $800. Does anyone really think the seller might take that? I highly doubt they think there is any chance of that, so why even do it? Its a waste of time for both. Granted, its not any effort to ignore it, or simply decline it. Usually these are zero feedback members. If people would try to be realistic, this wouldn't even be a topic for discussion. This is Audiogon, not fantasy island. I don't do it, and I personally find it irritating.
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michaelkingdom's avatar
michaelkingdom
153 posts
 
Well, if I was crazy enough to make an offer on these I'd have to lowball!:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-B-W-Nautilus-802-Loudspeakers-Bowers-Wilkens-Red-Cherry-/261176662199?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3ccf5798b7
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